The producers of Ustaad Bhagat Singh have followed a growing trend in Telugu cinema by disabling reviews and ratings on BookMyShow, the popular ticketing platform. Pawan Kalyan’s much-anticipated action drama has joined the list of films opting to restrict audience feedback on the app ahead of its theatrical release.
A New Strategy to Combat Negative Campaigns
The makers took this step due to concerns about deliberate negative rating campaigns affecting recent releases. It started with Mana Shanakara Vara Prasad Garu earlier this year, which set a precedent for this protective measure. By disabling the review and ratings feature, producers aim to prevent organized attempts to damage a film’s reputation before audiences have a chance to form their own opinions.
Why Producers Are Taking This Step
Recent incidents on BookMyShow have shown a pattern of coordinated negative ratings appearing even before a film’s first show. These campaigns can significantly impact box office performance by creating a negative perception among potential viewers. The shooting of Ustaad Bhagat Singh was closely watched by fans, and the makers want to ensure the film gets a fair chance without pre-release manipulation.
By removing the ratings option, the makers aim to give audiences an unbiased viewing experience. They won’t be influenced by potentially fabricated reviews or ratings before entering the theatre. This approach allows the film’s actual content and performance to speak for itself.
Impact on Audience Experience
While some moviegoers rely on BookMyShow ratings to make viewing decisions, this new approach pushes audiences to judge films based on their own experience rather than others’ opinions. The trend reflects the industry’s growing concern about digital manipulation and its impact on theatrical revenues.
Ustaad Bhagat Singh, helmed by Harish Shankar, carries massive expectations given Pawan Kalyan’s star power. The film’s business prospects depend heavily on positive word-of-mouth from actual viewers rather than pre-release online sentiment. With powerful updates building anticipation, the makers want genuine audience reactions to drive the film’s success.